Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
If you’re heading to LA Previews, join us for TOY NIGHT at the Laugh Factory on Monday, September 14! We’re excited to be the promotional partner with Robert Fuhrer of Nextoy for what promises to be a fantastic evening of toy industry networking and laughter. A huge thank you to Laugh Factory President David Fuhrer for creating special toy industry pricing and putting together an incredible lineup
The evening’s lineup includes Margaret Cho, Damon Wayans Jr., Howie Mandel, Elon Gold, Kevin Nealon and Gary Cannon. (lineup subject to change.)
Use promo code TOY for a special $35 ticket, which includes admission beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the pre-show cocktail hour, complimentary pizza, and priority seating. A heads-up. We fully expect this event to sell out. The cocktail hour is limited to just 80 toy industry guests, so if you're planning to join us, don't wait to reserve your ticket!
This week, we chat with Katie LaSuer, co-owner of Creative Fold and newly named Executive Director of Gathering for Gardner (G4G). I attended one of their gatherings some time ago and hope to get back to one someday! G4G brings together an extraordinary community for the playful exchange of ideas at the intersections of recreational math, puzzles, magic, science, skepticism, literature, and art.
We also hear from Elana Woldenberg Ruffman, CMO of hand2mind and Learning Resources, with an important update on the tariff litigation. The U.S. Court of International Trade has selected Learning Resources, Inc. et al. v. United States as the lead “sample case” and stayed the other cases. Elana shares what this development means and what comes next.
Have you registered for POP Week yet? November will be here before we know it!
Celebrating the People of Play!
Mary and the POP Team
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Katie LaSeur on Wearing Two Hats: Building Creative Products & Supporting the Future of Gathering 4 Gardner
Hi Katie! For those who don’t know you, can you tell us a little about your background and what you’re working on now?
I’m co-owner of Creative Fold, a creative services company that helps inventors, entrepreneurs, and small creative teams bring physical products to life. I started the company eight years ago with Jodi Meusel, and Edoardo Kulp has since joined us as an owner. The three of us met while working together at ThinkFun.
A lot of our work at Creative Fold is in toys, games, gifts, packaging, playtesting, product development, and manufacturing support. We help people move ideas from “I think this could be something” to an actual product that exists in the world.
So tell me about Gathering 4 Gardner.
I’ve taken on an additional role as the new part time Executive Director of Gathering 4 Gardner, or G4G, a nonprofit inspired by Martin Gardner and dedicated to the playful exchange of ideas in the intersections of recreational math, puzzles, magic, science, skepticism, literature, and art. READ MORE
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Another wonderful cartoon submitted this week!
Do you have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to Mary.
Memorable Quotes: "Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever." — Margaret Cho
Toy Industry Word of Day: If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!

Hapiko is best-known for Stickerbox, a trailblazing creative tool designed to bring children’s ideas to life.
The profit surge for Esdevium Games - which officially re-registered as Asmodee UK Limited last month - came on the back of an almost 60% rise in turnover to £224m according to its latest annual accounts.
Goldin’s Summer TCG Auction Showcases Fan Favorites Across a Variety of Blue-Chip Cards.
Tariff refunds were a massive tailwind for Target last quarter that could help it continue to lower prices.
The Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday sued the Federal Communications Commission, arguing that the agency’s decision to review ABC’s broadcast television licenses earlier than usual amounts to an attack on free speech by the Trump administration.
The updated forecast comes as the retailer continues to work through its turnaround strategy under CEO Michael Fiddelke
The tech giant is heading to federal court to defend itself against claims brought by more than half of all US states.
Decline in firm's sales growth will be 'difficult to reverse' without a new product format or powerful celebrity endorsement, analyst says.
Gordon Brothers is reportedly discussing plans with advisers to launch an auction for Poundland, though no final decision has been reached.
Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix, opens new tab and concert promoter AEG Presents in California federal court, alleging an upcoming concert tour based on the streaming platform's "KPop Demon Hunters" infringes its trademarks.
Looking for products that will light up your shelves and become customer favorites? ASD Market Week and The Toy Book have collaborated to highlight some of the most exciting toy and novelty finds at ASD’s August event.
This Article goes directly to the sources and asked retailers and manufacturers which playthings are poised to become this season’s must-haves.
A professional survey examining how toy industry practitioners are using artificial intelligence today, and where the biggest gaps, concerns, and unmet opportunities still live.
Make the transition from summer to school easier than ever. Whether they’re entering a classroom for the first time or adjusting to a new routine Timeless Toys has what you need!
Australia’s toy market has enjoyed a strong start to 2026, with value sales rising 13% in the first half of the year, according to the latest figures from Circana.
Older consumers are fueling growth in the industry, according to a new Circana report.
With 127 days to go until Christmas, John Lewis has revealed this year’s Top 10 toys predicted to top wishlists across the generations.
Toy and play expert Rachel Griffin shares this year’s hottest toy trends, including educational building sets, collectibles, screen-free activities, and interactive learning toys.
Reddit, Politico and others are weighing how—or even if—they can work with the tech company as AI tools supplant traditional searches.
The earliest literary reference in English to ‘playing Devil’s advocate’ can be found in a 1760 publication with the jaunty title The Impostors Detected or the life of a Portuguese, in which the Artifices and Intrigues of Romish Priests are humorously displayed.
Experts weigh in on whether hit toy lines like Squishmallows and Labubu have what it takes to be the next Barbie.
Games stocked with luxe toys and more are taking over arcades; ‘it’s gambling, but it’s disguised by cuteness’.
The social video site’s latest change could throw a wrench in how creators and advertisers measure popularity.
Plaid Hat Games launched its Kickstarter for The Monolith in June with a trio of successful crowdfunding campaigns under its belt - only to pull the project three days after launch when pledges unexpectedly ground to a halt.
Mattel celebrates Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday with a Barbie doll recreating her famous "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" style.
Pokémon outlived the moral panic of its early days in Australia and its staying power has proved that simple joy can cross borders
Sonic’s creators explain how the speedy scamp has kept on running through generations as an enduring avatar of ‘attitude in the face of adversity’
“These guys really take a beating.”
A brochure from Dorack Toy Company for Bild-a-Brick, a construction set that used real miniature bricks and mortar.
Watch Dave from Lucky Penny Shop demonstrate the Razzle word game from Parker Brothers.
Released by Remco in 1957, Big Max and his Electronic Conveyor used an electromagnetic robot and moving conveyor belt to introduce children to automated material handling.
New dolls of Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams and Evie Templeton’s Agnes DeMille from Tim Burton’s blockbuster Netflix series “Wednesday” are coming soon to Mattel’s Monster High line.
Gilmore Girls Little People Collector Set features Lorelai, Rory, Emily and Luke in Mattel's new Stars Hollow-themed collectible.
Polaroid celebrates 30 years of Pokémon with a new collection.
An essential must-watch list to prepare for Doomsday, but one character is missing.
Fan-favourite Gui Gui Minis have made a fun on-screen appearance in Katseye's new Hootie Frutti music video.
Amazon MGM Studios has inked a deal with Jazwares to develop a film based on the blockbuster plush toy line, Squishmallows.
The Bluey Movie, the new CG-animated film featuring beloved characters, opens exclusively in theatres on 6th August 2027.
The Minecraft range is led by WeCool's Butter Cloudz compound platform, while the Harry Potter range includes slime-based kits inspired by the Wizarding World.
Cloudco Entertainment brings Care Bears to the bag charm trend through partnerships with Basic Fun!, ZURU, and Pop Mart.
The cult-classic novelty plush Uglydoll is returning to retail, thanks to a new long-term partnership with Jazwares.
At the D23 Parks Panel Disneyland and Disney World announced upcoming Spider-Man, Avengers, Indiana Jones and Coco attractions.
Sony/Marvel Studio’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day crossed the $2 billion global mark, becoming the second-fastest movie to do so and the eighth movie to ever cross that benchmark.
Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Jigglypuff are all memorialized in doughnut form for the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
The pair hummed the Indiana Jones theme tune together.
Articulated action figures of HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys from Netflix’s animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters" are coming soon to store shelves and online retailers.
Through a partnership with Sockeye Media, SKIDOS is introducing Mother Goose Club to its lineup of educational games and activities.
New reports from Screen Australia and Circana offer an in-depth look at how one sector is suffering while the other soars down under.
In this game, players are tasked with building a snowman and then racing him home to Arendelle
This event type can be scheduled an unlimited number of times from November 13, 2026 to January 28, 2027. It is a Star Trek-themed sealed deck league, where players build their decks out of six Star Trek Play Boosters, and play out matches at Starfleet Academy and across the galaxy.
The series will culminate with the UNO Championship Series Tournament on Nov. 11 in Los Angeles.
The upcoming Golden Axe TV series looks surprisingly as silly as the Sonic franchise, based on the streaming show's first trailer, and designed to appeal to The Legend of Vox Machina fans.
Fizz Creations collaborates with Hasbro to develop a range of handheld products inspired by beloved board games.
Paramount, Spin Master and Colossal have teamed to “teach children that real animals don’t always have the Paw Patrol to rescue them.
Josh D'Amaro explained why other media companies are trying to replicate Disney's success.
Turner held several marketing roles at Dollar Tree as well as working in various engagement-focused positions at dunnhumby.
Liz Grampp joins Goliath while Angela Truhan expands her role as the company continues to grow.
"We spoke on stage together about the stories, lessons, and failures I learned building Spin Master into a multi-billion dollar company. Then getting back up with Tony, Kara Goldin, and Marc Roberts for the Q&A was humbling in a way I didn't expect."
Deus Ex director Warren Spector is retiring from game development - but he still has ideas for three games he'd love to make.
"My list spans decades with a ton of childhood favorites and some modern masterpieces."
Zigazoo undergoes a leadership transition by appointing Ashley Mady as its Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for the company.
With a total of 34 years experience within the Toy and Gift market, Phil is looking to start a new chapter in the industry and bring his years of experience to the role.
There’s something pretty magical about seeing FAO come to life in a new space and watching families experience the wonder all over again.
Disney Experiences chief Thomas Mazloum is focused on balancing the needs of its most ardent parkgoers with its less frequent visitors.
Leading the new studio continues a rapid rise for Leiman, a 2025 Diana Jones Emerging Designer Program winner whose published designs include High Tide, Wildberries and Dino Racer - the latter of which picked up significant buzz at Gen Con this year, and is currently ranked at number two in the BoardGameGeek Hotness.
Children can now dig, build and play with Mighty Wheels at Godstone Farm, one of Surrey’s favourite family attractions.
Ring Queens are wearable collectible mini dolls that transform into rings, combining jewellery, nail styling and imaginative doll play.
Magic: The Gathering joins The Entertainer just in time for the highly anticipated arrival of the game’s The Hobbit booster packs and bundles.
The expansive Playmobil range will include the Private Jet and Fire Rescue Operation with Underwater Motor that are exclusive to Argos.
After Marshmallow Madness blew up last year, PlayMonster is back with a new game that’s a blast for the whole family.
hand2mind has called Illinois home since 2000, and now, it's deepening those roots with a new distribution center in Vernon Hills.
Hape Toys is launching a new line of musical toys built around its smash-hit Dynamic Pixel Piano, a 2025 Toy of the Year finalist.
Best known for its award-winning wooden toys, Le Toy Van acquires premium plush brand Pickles amid a period of strong growth Le Toy Van has signalled a major push into the plush category with the acquisition of premium plush brand Pickles, formally known as Mr Pickles.
Reddit has moved from marketers’ periphery to the core as they try to influence large language models and consumer choices.
Spin Master's digital games studio Toca Boca and adidas have teamed up to bring a unique collaboration to the popular digital playground, Toca Boca World™, designed to inspire confidence and encourage tween girls to stay connected to sport and movement beyond the screen.
New BPMS practice brings marketplace management, retail media, creative, analytics and off-platform demand generation together under one growth strategy.
Everyone knows Chuck E. Cheese. For newly minted CEO Scott Drake, that's been a blessing and a curse.
Amazon’s agentic shopping offers a “buy for me” option, which means brands must fight even harder for those sales.
The desire for rapid delivery is “insatiable,” Uber’s Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi says.
Yoto, the audio platform for kids, is expanding its footprint at Target Corp., working to get into stores like Walmart and expanding its international footprint.
arsEdition launched a dedicated games programme last September focused on family-weight games for ages 6, 8, and 10 and up, with an opening slate of seven titles including Reiner Knizia designs Oshiya Tokio and Guardian of the Treasure
Free sampling day saw families across the UK customise trainers, bags and jackets with StyleStix, as Click brought the collectible brand to shoppers in person for the first time.
MGA Entertainment launches BABY born Real, a line of realistic dolls featuring personalizations and immersive experiences.
As part of Spin Master's expansion of the award-winning Primal Hatch Jurassic World T. Rex, the company launched the Primal Hatch Megalodon.
Oink Games is expanding its 'Souvenirs From...' board game line with Tokyo. Players try and buy three tiles before the bullet train leaves.
The Italy-based War of the Ring publisher said thousands of fake requests repeatedly saturated its server bandwidth and CPU earlier this week, temporarily preventing some customers from reaching its main website and e-commerce site, which is also used for preorders and crowdfunding pledge management.
Fans have been clamouring for a new entry in the beloved The Simpsons Hit & Run for quite some time now and at a D23 panel this week Simpsons creator Matt Groening may have announced that something is in the works.
Disney has said that the long-running Kingdom Hearts franchise is now a $1 billion franchise spread across all the games.
All eyes are on the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4 and we were given a new trailer and gameplay details during D23.
Premium retro handheld returning in flashy new finishes, including a 24K gold-plated model.
EXG Pro's Fortnite Cable Guys line-up includes fan-favourite characters Supply Llama, Peely, Fishstick, Meowscles and more.
Mattel Game Studios brings together nearly 300 artists, designers, engineers, live operations specialists and producers to lead Mattel’s self-published digital games business.
At D23, Ravensburger also announced new set releases, collector boosters, Disney Park events and more.
The legal heat has spooked videogame companies, so says lawyer Haley MacLean in a recent interview.
Oxenfree Night School and Moonloot closing, as streaming giant continues to shrink internal game studio operation.
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki says the company is yet to fix a date for the PlayStation 6 launch due to the memory crisis.
Back in October 2021 Nintendo terminated the iOS and Android game Dr. Mario World presumably because there just wasn’t enough active users.
Takashi Iizuka, the head of Sonic Team, has participated in a interview with The Guardian during which he said that without the success of Sonic Adventure, Sonic may not have gone on to achieve the success that he has currently enjoyed.
Mattel, Inc. announced a new release from its premium building brand Mattel Brick Shop™, a highly detailed, 1:1-scale buildable display model of the original Microsoft XBOX console.
Keeping children up and active when it’s super cold outside can be arduous for both child and parent. But that’s why toys that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors make such great gifts; kids get value from them year-round, no matter what the weather! In advance of holiday 2026, the eclectic and one-of-a-kind toy company Bright Stripes – best known for their incredible selection of kids’ arts and crafts kits – is seizing the opportunity to show U.S. families some incredible active play toys developed from trusted European partners!
On August 7, the U.S. Senate confirmed Karen Sessions and Brien Lorenze as commissioners of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), restoring a quorum at the agency for the first time since 2025.
The November 27 and 28 event in Abuja will include prototype playtesting, workshops, industry discussions, networking and a marketplace alongside its consumer-facing game demonstrations and tournaments, according to organiser NIBCARD Games.
Hamleys' biggest summer ever continues with an action-packed programme of free events and exclusive experiences this August, including Bluey meet and greets.
The new year-round initiative invites the global retail community to share the stories behind the shops, brands and relationships that make retail unique.
The Uno Beach House at Boardmasters Festival brought gameplay, music, personalisation and retail to the Cornish coast.
Toy industry professionals are invited to help introduce the next generation of talent to the toy industry through a mentorship opportunity with students at the University of Southern California (USC).
With the voting deadline fast approaching, Toy Association members are encouraged to help decide the 2027 Toy Industry Hall of Fame inductee(s) by submitting their ballots by Friday, August 21.
The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Golf & Give FUNdraiser returns to Topgolf El Segundo on Wednesday, September 16 at 6 p.m., during The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview Market Weeks.
New products will support children’s health and wellbeing in hospitals while supporting the charity’s work.
In partnership with Xnurta, the event is designed to help toy brands make the most of the crucial Q4 trading period while starting to think ahead to 2027.
BBC Studios’ Suzy Raia and XBox’s Bob Brennecke will both hold fireside chats, giving the BLE audience exclusive insight into two hugely successful global franchises.
Panettiere, who is best known for playing the superpowered cheerleader on NBC's Heroes, has died at the age of 36. Her rep confirmed the news to ABC.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
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Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
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Toyworld (UK)
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
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Video of the Week
COLLECT THEM ALL | A Kenner Star Wars Action Figure Documentary
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